Criminal records in Queens County, New York, are available through several channels. QueensCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the Queens County Clerk's Office. Online tools, in-person visits, and written requests are all viable ways to access criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Queens
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number (docket/case number)
- NYSID (New York State Identification Number) — for official requests through the state repository
Through QueensCourt.us
Start with QueensCourt.us — the site allows you to search publicly available information about court cases in Queens County by name or case number.
Online through Official Portals
The WebCriminal system of the New York State Unified Court System provides access to criminal cases heard in the Criminal Court and Supreme Court of Queens County. Searches are conducted by defendant's name or case number.
If you need to check if a person is in custody in New York City facilities, use the P.I.C. Lookup system of the NYC Department of Correction. For state facilities, use the Incarcerated Lookup of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Individuals on parole can be found through the Parolee Lookup.
Information about arrest warrants issued by the NYPD can be obtained through the Criminal Court Information Line or NYC311.
An official criminal history is maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) of New York State. Individuals have the right to request their own criminal history through the Record Review process.
In Person
Visit the Queens County Clerk's Office or a courthouse with public access terminals:
In the courthouse, the clerk can assist with case searches if you know the defendant's name or case number.
Written Request
To obtain an official criminal history, send a written request to the DCJS or the court clerk's office. The request usually requires a notarized consent form, a copy of identification, and a fee payment.
Search Queens Criminal Cases by Case Number
New York criminal case numbers have a structured format. A typical case in the Criminal Court of Queens looks like this:
- County Prefix — for Queens, the code "QN" is used
- Year — two or four digits of the year the case was opened
- Sequential Number — a unique numerical identifier within the year
For example, the format might look like QN2024-012345. Supreme Court cases (felonies) have a different format with an index number starting with the year and court code.
Knowing the exact case number will yield results much faster than searching by name, especially if the surname is common. The case number is usually listed on the summons, arrest record, or court decision.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Queens
Charges
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Article Code | Reference to New York Penal Law (e.g., PL 120.00 — Assault in the Third Degree) |
| Severity Level | Felony, Misdemeanor, Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend or drop specific charges during the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet
- Active — the case is actively being considered
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed/Sealed — the case is closed or sealed under CPL § 160.50 or § 160.55
Hearings
- Arraignment — the first appearance of the defendant before a judge, charges are announced
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary hearing for felonies (if the case is not presented to a Grand Jury)
- Pre-trial Conference — a meeting of the parties before the trial
- Trial — the substantive court hearing
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — acquitted
- Dismissed — case closed without a verdict
- Acquitted — acquitted by court or jury decision
- Adjourned in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) — case adjourned with the prospect of dismissal if the defendant complies with conditions
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Queens
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with authentication of their authenticity. The procedure depends on the specific document you need.
Through the Queens County Clerk's Office
The county clerk issues certified copies of documents from Supreme Court cases. Visit in person or send a written request specifying the case number and party name.
For the request, bring valid photo identification. If requesting records for someone else, a notarized power of attorney or proof of legal interest may be required.
Through DCJS (State Criminal History)
A full criminal history report (RAP sheet) can be obtained through the Record Review process at DCJS. An individual has the right to request their own criminal history. Employers and licensing agencies submit requests through a separate fingerprinting process.
For a personal request, you need to:
- Complete the Record Review request form
- Provide fingerprints (through an authorized site)
- Pay the established fee
- Provide valid identification
Through NYC Sheriff's Office
The NYC Sheriff's Office executes court orders and processes but is not a primary source of criminal records. For criminal cases, contact the court clerk or DCJS.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Queens
Fees for criminal records in Queens County are governed by New York State law and court internal rules.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.65 | According to CPLR § 8019 |
| Document certification | $1.25 per document | In addition to the copy cost |
| Criminal history check through DCJS (personal request) | Approximately $75 | Includes fingerprinting fee; exact amount may vary |
| Criminal history check for employer | Varies | Depends on license type and submission channel |
Processing Times
- Copies at the clerk's office — usually issued the same day or within a few business days
- Written requests — two to four weeks, depending on request volume
- Requests through DCJS — processing may take several weeks after receiving fingerprints and payment
Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted by money order or certified check payable to the Queens County Clerk. Confirm acceptable payment forms before visiting.